We have marked the expansion of our landmark community partnership with Wrexham AFC by hosting a ‘Festival of Football’ with 80 Year 3 girls from across North Wales.
During an exciting day of sport and STEM activities, the young footballers – from six regional schools – got the chance to meet Wrexham men’s first team star Jacob Mendy and Wrexham women’s first team players Rosie Hughes and Lucy Craven, with expert coaching, 5-a-side games and even the opportunity to try their hand at sports journalism at a special press conference.
They also enjoyed ‘Powerwise’ sessions with the our team, learning about how the electricity network operate and inspiring the next generation about the wide range of STEM career opportunities available within the energy industry.
We will be the official sponsor of all youth academy teams and para teams, as well as the club’s official Community Partner.
For the first time, the partnership includes Female Football Development and Young Leaders Programmes, which aim to tackle the disproportional amount of women in coaching across North Wales. The programme will tackle some of the societal and confidence barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in football.
The programme will also deliver free football sessions to girls in primary and secondary schools across Wrexham, while matchday activities at Wrexham women’s home matches will encourage young girls to participate in wider football activities.
Liam O’Sullivan, SP Manweb Licence Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “What a way to launch the new partnership between SP Energy Networks and Wrexham AFC with this fantastic Festival of Football! For both organisations, our communities are at the heart of everything we do and seeing 80 girls from local schools taking to the pitch, getting a chance to meet their sporting heroes and hearing from our own inspirational team about the opportunities our industry offers is the epitome of that partnership in action.
“It’s all about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and having a positive and lasting impact. That’s why I’m so excited our new and improved partnership will support more women and girls across Wrexham and North Wales to play football and benefit from the club’s development and leadership programmes. It’s also fantastic to see our partnership extended to all the club’s Para teams, making sure we work together as a supportive and inclusive community.
“We’ll continue to work closely with Wrexham AFC to unite as a force for change and good, helping to inspire the next generation of talent both in football and the wider world, ensuring we can all enjoy a better future, quicker.”
Jamie Edwards, Head of Community at Wrexham AFC at Wrexham AFC, said: “Our partnership with SP Energy Networks is a really important one and keeps us rooted right at the heart of the local community. The expansion of its support marks another landmark moment in what’s a really exciting time for women’s football.
“As both our club and the women’s game in general continue to grow, a passionate and committed sponsor like SP Energy Networks is vital.
“I’m really looking forward to working closely with the team and the partnership continuing to go from strength to strength over the coming years.”
For more information, please visit spenergynetworks.co.uk